In batting practice, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki played pingpong with the left-field seats. It was the only time he hit Sunday, as he was given a breather to clear his head after a difficult start.

The shortstop said it stinks, adding: “I am not happy about it. I want to be in there every day. But it’s up to me to make the best of it.”

Manager Clint Hurdle said he believes that stopping Tulowitzki will help him get started offensively. He is batting .159 and doesn’t have an RBI in 44 at-bats or a hit with runners in scoring position.

“He tried to work through it on his own. This is more of a break mentally than anything else,” Hurdle said. “He’s in a good place. He’s made honest self-evaluation.”

Clint Barmes started in Tulowitzki’s place and posted three hits, including a catalytic two-run home run in the first inning.

Tulowitzki began slowly last season, hitting .185 on April 25 before a benching sparked a revival that led to the finest offensive season ever by a National League rookie shortstop. That was little consolation for Tulowitzki.

“I feel like I am a better player now than I was then,” Tulowitzki said. “But I know I am going to be fine.”

Redman ready.

Mark Redman threw a 50-pitch bullpen session Sunday, clearing the way to start Wednesday against the Padres. His bruised left foot no longer is a problem, but he’s dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left heel.

“I let it loose and it felt good. I look forward to pitching (in Petco Park). It’s a great pitcher’s park,” said Redman, who grew up in San Diego.

Jeff Francis will go Thursday opposite Jake Peavy, which allows him to fit in two side sessions to iron out some wrinkles.

Footnotes.

Arizona pitcher Doug Davis was welcomed in the visitors’ dugout with hugs from teammates a few days after successful surgery to remove a cancerous growth. . . . Arizona’s Randy Johnson will make his regular-season debut tonight against San Francisco. One- time Rockie Shawn Chacon is in line to start against the Rockies on Sunday in Houston. . . . The ball from Barry Bonds’ 762nd and, to date, last home run was auctioned off for $376,612. Bonds hit the home run at Coors Field off Ubaldo Jimenez. . . . Right fielder Brad Hawpe has reached base in nine straight games. . . . Willy Taveras has raised his average to .263 with eight hits in his last 21 at-bats. . . . Sky Sox starter Jose Capellan lost a no-hitter in the seventh Sunday.